Israel’s decision to move quickly to preserve and develop the ancient site of Sebastia — designating roughly 1,800 dunams, about 445 acres, for archaeological protection — is the kind of sober, forward-looking action a nation proud of its history should take. For too long, sacred ground tied to the biblical heritage of the Jewish people has been left vulnerable to neglect or politicized neglect, and Israel’s Civil Administration has stepped in to secure the ruins and expand historical research and tourism.
Sebastia, long identified with the ancient capital of Samaria and associated with figures like John the Baptist, is not simply a tourist commodity — it is a living link to the Judeo-Christian roots that shaped Western civilization. The archaeological significance spans millennia, and responsible stewardship of such sites is not a partisan exercise but a duty to history and faith communities worldwide.
Israel has framed the move as lawful and necessary: the land at issue lies in Area C where the Civil Administration exercises jurisdiction, and officials cite “intentional neglect” by local landowners and authorities as justification for intervening. A formal notice process was published, with a period for objections, and the Heritage Ministry is committing funds — roughly 32 million shekels — to upgrade the site, expand excavations and make the area accessible for pilgrims and tourists.
Predictably, the left-wing NGOs and international theater are screaming “land grab,” weaponizing outrage while ignoring both history and practical stewardship needs. Groups like Peace Now and other critics have rushed to declare the move illegitimate, but their reflexive denunciations come across as political theater aimed at delegitimizing Israel rather than protecting heritage or local livelihoods.
At the same time, legitimate concerns have been raised about privately owned Palestinian parcels and the fate of thousands of olive trees that local families rely upon. These are real human consequences that should be addressed with care, but too often Western media reduce complex legal and security realities to one-line condemnations — failing to mention that Israeli authorities are proceeding under existing legal frameworks in Area C and proposing investment that could benefit local economies through tourism.
Let’s be clear: preserving the cradle of our shared scriptures is not colonial theft when done transparently and under law — it is an affirmation of civilization against the nullifying currents of historical erasure. Those who reflexively side with boycotts and denunciations should explain why the protection of ancient Christian and Jewish heritage should be surrendered to neglect or politics.
Conservatives must stand firmly with Israel’s right to secure its historical patrimony while urging humane, practical measures to protect local livelihoods; that means oversight, transparent compensation where warranted, and American support for heritage preservation rather than reflexive condemnation. If the West cares about history, faith, and the rule of law, it will back efforts to restore Sebastia and keep the Holy Land’s treasures accessible to pilgrims and scholars for generations to come.
